How to Be Free from Depression

By Jim Wilson

The thoughts you have when you're depressed come from the devil. And the good news for you is that the devil is a liar.

      

Do you feel weighed down all the time? Perhaps, although you are a Christian and know you're going to heaven, your spiritual life seems mediocre at best. You know the Bible says to rejoice always, and you'd like to be living joyfully, but you just don't know how.

      

In this sequel to How to Be Free from Bitterness, Jim Wilson returns to talk about how to deal with (and get rid of) depression, feelings of guilt, and problems with self-esteem. Many Christians feel like they are enslaved these sins, like there is no way out. But this is not true. The truth is that Christ has freed us from the penalty of sin and the power of sin. If you are a Christian, you are already free. Depression, guilt, low self-esteem—whatever your problem is, it can be put to death. "And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free" (John 8:32).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Community Christian Ministries
• Release date: Feb 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9781882840786

Jim Wilson

Jim L. Wilson (DMin, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of leadership formation and director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Gateway Seminary. He has authored many books, including Future Church: Ministry in a Post-Seeker Age.

Book preview

Introduction

It is common for Christians to believe that we are each enslaved to particular sins. The truth is that we are not slaves. If you are a Christian, you are already free.

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Heb. 2:14–15)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal. 5:1)

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

We are free indeed. What are we to do with this freedom? "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matt. 5:48, KJV). How can we do that? This verse tells us how—imitate God.

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:35–36). Jesus told us to love our enemies. How? Imitate God by being merciful.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children. (Eph. 4:31–5:1)

If unsaved people were commanded to imitate God, that command would make no sense. They are captive to Satan and unable to imitate God. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will (2 Tim. 2:25–26).

And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free (John 8:32). We are free, and because of that we have the ability to imitate God.

. . . because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set me free from the law of sin and death. (Rom. 8:2)

Chapter 1     

How to Be Free from Depression

There are three kinds of depression: biological, psychological, and spiritual. Depression is not necessarily just a spiritual problem. However, even a biological phenomenon can turn into a spiritual problem. How you feel physically can be a temptation to spiritual depression. If you suddenly contract a disease that renders you lethargic or incapacitated, especially for a long period of time, it can make you depressed.

If you anticipate those feelings, the biological causes can be addressed before they lead to depression. Consider the biological cause as a temptation to sinful depression. What caused you to feel low may be physical, but if you get down and stay down, that is sin. There is a command against it: Rejoice in the Lord always (Phil. 4:4). Your depression may not be caused by sin (e.g., you might be depressed because you have cancer and are constantly ill and fatigued, not because you have violated one of the Ten Commandments), but the depression itself is still sin.

Another biological temptation happens to women regularly. At a certain time of the month, a woman’s menstrual cycle results in a great hormonal temptation to irritability. I learned this fact the slow way. After Bessie and I were married, I began to realize that something made her act erratically at certain times, and it seemed to be periodic. Being a dumb young husband, I was puzzled for a while. Finally, I figured out what it was.

I questioned Bessie about it. Tell me, is this event predictable? She said yes. "Then I would like you to let me know several days ahead of time, and I will walk softly. I will be kinder and more considerate than is normally necessary, and I will pray with